A Paradox of Capitalism and Environmental Welbeing: a Study of Financial Motivation Behind Environmental Degradation. Case Study: Buwunga Sub-County, Masaka District.

Abstract

The study sought to investigate the financial motivation behind environmental degradation which is responsible for the deteriorating state of environment in Buwunga Sub- deterioration is majorly attributed to the capitalistic view of searching for money.

The specific objectives of the study included: to identify commercial activities responsible for environmental degradation, to find out the effects of commercial activities on the environment and to come up with strategies that can reduce environmental degradation.

The research used a case study design using a qualitative and quantitative research methodology. The study involved a total of 45 respondents namely: commercial agriculturalists, commercial constructors, environmental officials and local council leaders. Purposive sampling was used to select respondents in order to yield the right information. Data was collected by use of questionnaires and interview guides. It (data) was analyzed using tables and themes derived from specific objectives.

The findings from the field showed that capitalism has greatly increased the rate of environmental degradation. This is so because as people search for incomes, they so do it with the while considering the two factors namely: reduction of the cost of production and maximization of profits however, during the production process, they do not care about the environment. This has degraded the environment in many ways like deforestation, soil erosion and pollution.

Through sensitization, community based conservation, formulation and implementation of laws, and giving penalties to culprits of environmental degradation can reduce the rates of environmental degradation.

Login to download()